Ousmane Dembele’s ascent to the pinnacle of world football reached a new height as he was crowned FIFA’s Men’s Player of the Year. The award, a testament to a remarkable twelve months, follows his recent Ballon d’Or victory, solidifying his status as a global superstar.
Dembele’s performance was central to Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph. The Parisian side dominated Inter Milan in the final, a 5-0 victory that ended PSG’s long wait for European glory, with Dembele playing a pivotal role in the attack.
The accolades didn’t stop with the player. PSG’s manager, Luis Enrique, was also recognized for his tactical brilliance, earning the FIFA Coach of the Year award. His leadership guided PSG through a challenging season and culminated in their Champions League success.
PSG’s dominance was further underscored by the FIFA Team of the Year, boasting six players from Enrique’s squad. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Vitinha, and Dembele himself were all included, recognizing the collective strength of the Parisian team.
The team was completed by stars from other European powerhouses: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, and Barcelona duo Pedri and Lamine Yamal. It represented a gathering of the world’s most exceptional talent.
In the women’s game, Aitana Bonmati continued her reign, securing the Women’s Player of the Year award for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Like Dembele, she had previously claimed the Ballon d’Or, cementing her place among the greatest female footballers of all time.
Bonmati’s success stemmed from a stellar year with Barcelona, where she led the team to a domestic treble. She was also instrumental in Spain’s run to the Euro 2025 final, showcasing her skill and leadership on the international stage.
The coach who ultimately defeated Bonmati’s Spain in the Euro final, Sarina Wiegman, was honored as the Women’s Coach of the Year. Her remarkable leadership of the England Lionesses captivated the nation and resulted in a historic victory.
The voting process for the men’s award revealed intriguing insights into the preferences of footballing figures. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane selected Dembele, Vitinha, and Mohamed Salah as his top three choices.
Interestingly, former Chelsea and Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel, despite managing Kane and Palmer, opted to vote for all three: Kane, Palmer, and Dembele. His choices reflected a recognition of individual brilliance and impact.
England’s media representative, John Cross, also included Dembele in his top three, alongside Lamine Yamal and Vitinha, further highlighting the widespread appreciation for Dembele’s exceptional form.
Wiegman, unable to attend the ceremony in person, expressed her gratitude via video link. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, belief, and togetherness in the Lionesses’ success and called for continued progress in the women’s game.
“This award is for the players and staff,” Wiegman stated. “We have shown so much conviction, belief and togetherness which led us to our second Euros win.”
